A Unique Approach To Homecare

"Palliative" and "Care" are two words that may provoke
fear and confusion in patients, their family members and loved ones. Palliative
care is the compassionate care of a dying person by minimizing their suffering
as they progress towards the end of life. Medically, this is achieved
by helping dull the patient's pain through assorted pain- and symptom-management
techniques. However, more than just physical comfort measures can ensure
that the remaining days (or years) of a patient's life are comfortable.

Here is some helpful information I share with clients in my work as a registered
nurse and primary palliative case manager. It may help you deal with your
own family member and inform you on how to best bring closure to someone's
life in a peaceful and positive manner.

The Stages of Palliative Care

Palliative care doesn't just start when a patient is bed-ridden and near
the end of life. Patients can receive treatment for various ailments and
be ambulatory and independent when they first decide to seek palliative
treatment. Over time, a slow progression of pain or excessive weakness
begins to set in and appetite will decrease.

This usually signals the next stage of care: where the patient is unable
to get around as easily as before. This typically indicates that a home-rest-bed
scenario is imminent. From this point on, patients can experience issues
and symptoms that result from immobility such as skin breakdown, muscle
atrophy and increased weakness. They usually "nest" in bed and
become more comfortable with their environment. This is the stage where,
hopefully, the family is talking with their loved one and emotionally
connecting with them. It's a time for comfort and visitors so that everyone
can reflect upon their lives together.

The Discussion

The sooner a you and your family can talk about the palliative situation,
the better. Avoidance can lead to undue stress, resentment and even unbearable
guilt over not having cleared the air.

You also need to know that there are times when you'll need to take a step
back from the situation. As a registered nurse, I usually begin dialogue
with the patient long before any of the family does. Patients feel a sense
of comfort when opening up a conversation about their emotional state,
and together we strategize how and when they want to bring up the topic
with family.

I believe my patients tend to confide in me because I stay objective and
am not in denial about their condition. Family members appreciate and
understand the uniqueness of this relationship that develops, and over
time they, too, realize the value of this support for their own thoughts,
fears and grief.

Palliative Care at Home

The benefits of home care for a loved one provides many advantages to your
loved one:

frequent contact with family and loved ones,

continuity of care, and

the comfort of being in their own environment.

I care for the majority of my palliative clients in their homes. While
this scenario is often soothing for the patient, it is an adjustment for
you, the family members. Families in a home palliative care situation
may fear that their loved one may be better off by being hospitalized.
They feel the hospital may be a safer, more supportive place; however,
this usually isn't the case. For the most part, palliative patients receive
more consistent care at home and are more easily supported by their relatives
and friends in a comfortable setting.

A Range of Emotions

You should react to a palliative situation as you need to; you have the
right to be sad, angry and feel afraid. You should ask all the questions
you want, and try to get as much support from a professional as possible.

It's never easy to lose a loved one and the lives of others are impacted
in many ways. It is essential for you to heal after your loss. I keep
in touch with families after the patient has passed on to make sure they
are managing as well as can be expected. Families are often shaken by
being involved in caring for a dying loved one and the experience opens
up the door to facing one's own mortality.

I encourage family members to seek the help they need, whether supportive
therapy, a well-deserved weekend away, a nurturing massage, or any other
measure that can help them cope and heal. For family members, moving on
does not mean forgetting the dearly departed, it means taking care of
themselves. Healthcare professionals can provide the best palliative care
by understanding the emotional experiences of family members and offering
the most support possible.

To see how a professional caregiver or RN might help your loved one stay
comfortably at home, get a free home care assessment below.